Thanks for Supporting UNI Day at the Capitol

TC and TK briefly took to the floor of the Iowa State House Monday as the University of Northern Iowa hosted UNI Day at the Capitol, an annual event highlighting UNI’s impact across the state by showcasing its programs, services, students and alumni.

Gov. Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Gregg and state lawmakers met with UNI students, faculty, alumni and administrators as violin music played by two UNI School of Music alumni echoed through the capitol rotunda. Programs across the university were featured at the event, including a research science partnership with Wind Cave National Park and the business and community services UNI provides throughout the state.

“It’s an important day for UNI to show lawmakers what we do at the University of Northern Iowa,” said President Mark Nook. “It’s an opportunity for them to meet our students, hear directly from them the impact that UNI has had on their lives and their future.”

Among those students was UNI junior Marlon Jackson, an English education major. “UNI is the community that has unity,” he said. “It’s the best place to come for an education. There is no other place in Iowa I’d rather be.”

For UNI faculty, staff and students, the day was also a way to say thanks for state support that has allowed a unique public institution in Iowa to thrive.

“You’re not just a number at UNI,” said Haley Langstraat, a UNI junior studying leisure, youth and human services. “The small campus has a lot of opportunities on it.”